For years, coal powered New Mexico’s economy—especially in communities near the Four Corners—fueling jobs, electricity, and industry. Power plants like the San Juan Generating Station and the Four Corners Power Plant delivered electricity across the Southwest and supported thousands of jobs, particularly in tribal communities.

But the landscape is changing. Under the 2019 Energy Transition Act, New Mexico is moving away from coal. Emissions standards and economic shifts have led to the retirement of major coal plants, including the San Juan Generating Station (fully closed in 2022) and the planned closure of the Four Corners plant by 2031.

As a result, coal production has fallen by nearly two-thirds since 2001, even as average prices per MMBtu have increased. This trend reflects reduced demand, mine closures, and the growing preference for cleaner energy sources like natural gas and renewables.

The impact has been significant for the New Mexico workforce and local economies, but especially among tribal communities historically reliant on coal jobs. In response, “just transition” programs such as the Four Corners POWER Initiative and retraining efforts at San Juan College are helping displaced workers move into new roles in renewable energy, carbon capture, and other emerging sectors.

New Mexico’s coal story is far from over—but its future lies not in expansion, but in transition, resilience, and opportunity.